Beavs 2012 Pivotal Games
If you were a fan of last year’s Oregon St. Beavers schedule, you should enjoy 2012 just as much.
Like last season, the Beavers will face out of conference opponents in Wisconsin and BYU. Only difference is the locations are swapped—with the Badgers paying Corvallis a visit while the Beavers travel to face the Cougars.
It’s no TCU/Boise State like 2010, but it’s still an exciting schedule with some big games.
In an increasingly strengthening conference, every game counts. For a program trying to get back on top like OSU, it becomes that much more important.
The season needs to be about winning every game, especially the big ones. And there’s plenty of those coming up in 2012.
5. November 10th- at Stanford
The Cardinal lost some really great players to the NFL in 2011, but that doesn’t mean they should be underestimated. They have 14 returning starters, including a corp of tailbacks that accumulated 2,738 yards in 2011.
The Beavers have lost their last two contests against the Cardinal, including a 0-38 shutout in 2010. The November 10th meeting will kick off OSU’s toughest stretch of games—in which they’ll also face California and Oregon.
The Cardinal lost some really great players to the NFL in 2011
This will be a huge test for the Beavers, and with it coming so late in the season it could represent a make-or-break situation. That makes this a big one.
4. October 20th- vs. Utah
In their last five meetings, Utah has beaten Oregon State four times—granted two of those games came in the ’90s. If we go a little less retro, and look at their last three meetings, Utah is still up 2-1.
There’s something about the Utes that is unsolvable to Mike Riley. They completely steam rolled over the Beavers last season in a 8-27 shellacking. Utah running back John White IV had 205 yards in that game, including a 60 yarder.
The October 20th meeting between these two teams comes right in the middle of OSU’s season. The outcome of this one could set the tone for the back half of the season. It will be an exciting one to watch, and hopefully the Beaver’s come out on top.
3. October 27th- at Washington
There’s always a bit of rivalry when the Huskies meet a team from Oregon. With the Beavers heading back to Husky stadium, things are that much more exciting.
The last time OSU visited UW, it was the most exciting game of the Beavers season. They would eventually lose 34-35, with Joel Halahnui just missing a catch for the two-point conversion in double overtime.
Fast forward to last season when the two teams met in Corvallis. Sean Mannion exploded for one of his best games of the season, completing 70% of his passes for 339 yards and 2 TDs.
Rivalry aside, you always know you’re getting a game when these two teams meet. They represent two programs trying to get back to the top, and that makes the football that much better. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for 2012.
2. September 8th- vs. Wisconsin
September 8th, 2012 represents OSU’s biggest out of conference stage, and another chance to prove they’re a strong football team. The Beavers were absolutely embarrassed in Wisconsin last season, being shut out by the Badgers 0-35. Montee Ball’s 118 yards was more than five times OSU’s total rushing yards for the day.
The Civil War is the one event nearly every Oregonian cares about.
It was a game that set a depressing tone for the 2011 season. It also exposed a myriad of issues for OSU, including horrid line play and a lack of a running back.
Just as he does every season, Mike Riley has ensured one big opponent on the national stage. Coming in as huge underdogs, if OSU wants to make a statement this is their best chance.
1. November 24th- vs. Oregon
No matter who’s on the schedule, whether it’s Wisconsin or Boise State, the last game of the season is always the biggest for OSU.
Outside of a Greg Oden hate rally, the Civil War is the one event nearly every Oregonian cares about. Despite state allegiance moving to support the shiny Ducks, there’s never a lack of excited Beavers ready to show off their orange and black.
For the last four seasons, the Civil War has been huge. 2008-2009 it determined who went to the Rose Bowl; 2010 it carried UO’s National Championship game hopes; last season it was the final determinant in the Ducks heading to the conference championship.
While the Beaver’s chips are down, they’re not out. The program is rebuilding and looking to reclaim the state crown. And in the Civil War, you never know what’s going to happen.
The teams are fueled by the rivalry and passion of the fans. It makes the game that much better.
Mark the date on your calender Oregonians. November 24th, the Civil War once again comes to Reser.
